A local man has been charged with rape in connection with an alleged beating attack at his Dawson County home.

Rodney Lee Gilkinson, 32, is also charged with battery, possession of marijuana and possession of firearm by convicted felon, according to jail records.

Dawson County Sheriff's Lt. Jeremy Thompson said Gilkinson is accused in the rape of a 23-year-old Dawsonville woman, who he described only as a "close personal acquaintance."

"It started out as a verbal argument that escalated into him hitting her with a belt and then the rape," he said.

The woman had visible markings from the beating, according to Thompson.

"She was treated and released for the injuries she sustained in the attack," he said.

Investigators executed a search warrant of the home after receiving the report on April 5, the same day of the alleged attack.

"During the search, we were able to locate evidence that will be used against him in the criminal case," Thompson said.

Marijuana was also found at the home, leading to the drug charge, he said.

Gilkinson is being held in Dawson County Sheriff's custody. No bond had been set as of press time.